What is suspicion? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "suspicion" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As a Noun (The Basic Meaning: A Feeling or Belief)

• Definition: A feeling that someone or something is not what it seems; a doubt or uncertainty about someone's character, motives, or actions.

• Examples:

  • "I have a suspicion that he’s lying." (I doubt his honesty.)
  • "There was a general suspicion in the village about the newcomers." (People weren't sure about their intentions.)
  • "The detective's suspicion fell on the butler." (He started to doubt the butler's innocence.)
  • “She voiced her suspicion that the company was involved in illegal activities.” (She had a doubt about the company’s actions)

2. As a Verb (To Doubt or Believe Something Badly)

• Definition: To have a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is guilty, often without proof.

• Examples:

  • "I suspect him of stealing the money." (I think he did it, even if I don’t have definite proof.) - Note: “Suspect” is a more common and often preferred verb.
  • "The police suspected a connection between the two crimes.” (They believed the crimes were linked.)
  • "She suspected he was hiding something." (She doubted he was being completely open with her.)

3. Nuances & Related Words

• Grounds for suspicion: Reasons or evidence that cause someone to be suspicious. "There were grounds for suspicion when he was seen leaving the bank with a large bag."

• Heighten suspicion: To increase or make stronger someone's suspicion. “The witness’s testimony heightened suspicion about the defendant’s involvement.”

• Suspicious behavior: Actions that make people think something is wrong. "His constant checking of his phone was suspicious behavior."

• Suspicion arises: A feeling of suspicion develops. "Suspicion arose when the accountant was found with the missing funds in his account."

• Lack of suspicion: The absence of suspicion (not believing anything is wrong). “Despite the strange noises, there was a lack of suspicion among the residents.”

4. Important Distinctions: "Suspicion" vs. "Doubt"

While related, they're not exactly the same:

• Doubt: A general uncertainty or questioning of something's truth or reliability. "I doubt he'll be on time." (Simply questioning his punctuality.)
• Suspicion: A specific feeling that something is wrong, often involving a negative judgment about someone’s character or motives. "I have a suspicion he's hiding something." (More pointed and suggesting wrongdoing.)

Tips for Using "Suspicion" Effectively:

• Show, don't tell: Instead of just saying "I had a suspicion," describe why you had that suspicion. “I noticed he avoided eye contact and kept looking at his watch, which gave me a feeling that he was hiding something.”
• Use “suspect” more often: “Suspect” is generally a more common and natural-sounding verb than “suspect” (as a noun).
• Consider the context: Make sure the word fits the situation. Is it a mild feeling of unease, or a strong belief of wrongdoing?

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word “suspicion” in? (e.g., a story, an email, etc.)